Three informative conferences for emergency medicine professionals were today announced by IIR Middle East. The congresses, taking place in Dubai from 12-14 September 2006, aim to improve the skills of all healthcare professionals but in particular EMS practitioners, ER physicians, accident and emergency specialists, internists, and general practitioners currently facing unique challenges given the rapid expansions in many populations across the Middle East.
Under the umbrella of the Middle East Emergency Congress 2006, three dedicated conferences, the 4th International Emergency Medical Services Conference, Accident and Emergency Conference and the 2nd Middle East Trauma Conference, will address current topics to share the best practice and improve standards of care.
One of the key topics to be discussed at the 4th International Emergency Medical Services Conference includes the future of HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) in the region with specific emphasis on the Abu Dhabi Police Air Wing. Outfitted with cutting edge technology, the Abu Dhabi Police Air Wing can come to the rescue in a matter of minutes. A component of the Air Wing, the Air Ambulance Service, established in 1997 is trained to respond to incidents ranging from car crashes to plane crashes, rescue operations and disasters.
Chief Flight Paramedic, Ettiene Jelliman, says, “Currently in the fleet we have seven Bell 412 helicopters out of which three are for emergency medical services, one for VIP transportation and one for search and rescue missions. There also are three, Eurocopter BK 117’s, which are used primarily for aerial surveillance of sports events, for the transport of personnel and equipment, as well as servicing the police special forces.”
“The Bell 412 can change from a medical helicopter to a patrol helicopter in 20 minutes. It has an intensive-care unit with 2 ventilators, a baby transport incubator for newborn infants, 2 cardiac monitoring machines and a wide range of medicines. The teams can carry two ventilated patients simultaneously with an endurance of up to three hours. The Air Wing is expanding its fleet of helicopters in 2007 with an additional 8 new AB139 helicopters. This is the latest, state of the art, civilian helicopter that will compliment and expand the capabilities of the Abu Dhabi Police Air Wing Dept.”
The Middle East Accident and Emergency Conference will present recommendations for the treatment and management of heat exhaustion. Dr. Zidan Khalifa Issa, Specialty Emergency Physician, Accident and Emergency Department, Rashid Hospital, UAE, adds, “Now that the high temperatures are here, we are seeing more and more cases of heat stroke and exhaustion. This is particularly true with construction workings working long hours in the heat. The recent announcement by UAE minister of Labour that during July and August labourers working on construction sites would have to take a rest when the heat is most intense should help reduce the number of cases, although there is a lack of understanding from the general public on the causes and seriousness of heat exhaustion.”
Specialists attending the 2nd Middle East Trauma Conference will benefit from updates in the treatment of complex trauma cases such as those injuries common as a result of road traffic accidents. High rates of serious road traffic accidents are reported in several of the Gulf Sates with more and more trauma cases being addressed in the operating room year on year. Dr. Desmond Kwok, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dubai Bone and Joint Centre, adds, “The dramatic rise in serious trauma cases is placing an ever increasing burden on care providers across the region. We are having to deal with complex cases, particularly in the areas of fractures, spinal cord, vascular and abdominal trauma, often as a result of road traffic accidents.”
All the conferences are accredited by the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education (AACME). For further information please visit www.emergencycongress.com
About Middle East Emergency Congress
The Middle East Emergency Congress 2006 is being held at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai, from 12-14 September 2006.
Physicians from across the region who attend the conference sessions will earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits as the sessions are recognized by the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education (AACME). IIR ME has passed a series of rigorous and internationally recognized standards for the provision of continuing medical education and quality health care, set by the AACME, and has subsequently been awarded status as an “Accredited Organization with Commendation”. Over 17,000 worldwide health care organisations are accredited by the AACME.
